Feuille de Route du Pacte Mondial des Nations-Unies
When I asked the business community in early 1999 to join the United Nations in a Global Compact on shared values, I was very encouraged that the International Chamber of Commerce took up the challenge and responded so promptly on behalf of its member companies.
Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations.
1997-2006
We are giving effective support to the Global Compact proposed by the Secretary – General Kofi Annan on shared core values between the UN and business. We represent the world business view towards the UN and its agencies in setting global rules and policies.
Adnan Kassar, President of the International Chamber of Commerce.
1999-2000
Fransabank Chairman Adnan Kassar was the first and only Arab national to be elected president of the International Chamber of Commerce from 1999 to 2000. During his presidency, the relationship between the United Nations and business has been extended to exceed its traditional context to include the pursuit of mutually supported goals and objectives. In this vein, the first initiative was the launch of the Global Compact which produced effective and positive results in the various areas of common interest.
The Global Compact is a policy platform and practical framework for companies that are committed to sustainability and responsible business practices in the areas of environment, human rights, labour, and anti-corruption.
A joint statement between the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan and ICC president, Adnan Kassar clearly indicated that there exists a great synergy for the goals of the United Nations – peace and development – and those of business – wealth creation and prosperity.
The two concerned parties noted that a stronger private sector worldwide and particularly the positive impact of foreign direct investment were already making an effective contribution to attainment of the UN's goals.
